Get Even More GQ This Month

WTF Did We Just Do, Hogan Gidley?

Still trying to wrap your head around that 18-month, six-billion dollar campaign? Not quite sure what to make of Tuesday’s results? Not to worry: for the next few days we’ll be surveying the best and brightest in politics and punditry to help you make sense of it all.

HG: Provided massive Christmas bonuses for a few swing state salesmen at local television news stations.

GQ: What do Republicans need to do now?

HG: 1.) We need to recognize that the faces of the electorate have drastically changed. 2.) We need to elevate and dispatch the GOP’s talented slate of diverse governors, senators, congressmen, etc. to go forth actively court EVERY American. 3.) Massively upgrade our clearly antiquated GOTV, voter registration methods and campaign tactics. 4.) We need to nominate a talented messenger who can sell and tell the story of successful conservative governance without sounding angry or divisive.

GQ: What’s the lesson you’re taking away from this election? Or what struck you the most about it?

HG: George H.W. Bush won 60 percent of the white vote in 1988 and won more than 400 electoral votes. Romney won 60 percent of the white vote and got crushed. The GOP has done a horrible job recognizing and courting the rapidly changing demographics in this country.

Oh, and for all the talk about Florida in 2000 for Gore, if he could’ve won his home state of Tennessee, Florida wouldn’t have mattered. Republicans need to nominate people who can win their home state. Forget Ohio: If Romney could’ve won a few of his four home states of (MI, MA, CA, or NH) and Ryan won his home state of Wisconsin, Mrs. Romney would be picking out drapes in the Oval Office.

GQ: Give us one song that sums up your feelings about the end of the campaign.